His new single, “Ape Shit,” is an energetic call-to-action
By Delaney Schoenfeldt
If Babah Fly was isolated on a desert island, he would bring three artists with him: Bob Marley, Nina Simone, and Madlib.
“Bob Marley, because I listen to him a lot. Nina Simone, because I just love her. If I was on an island and needed to hear a friend, I could reference them,” said Babah Fly. “And Madlib, which would include all the collaborations Madlib has done, and the beat landscape would be great.”
But Babah Fly, called a Denver Hip Hop Icon by Westword, isn’t ditching his life for a desert island anytime soon. He’s focused on the world he’s in now. His new single, “Ape Shit,” released on February 23, not only reflects our chaotic times, but urges listeners to engage.
“People in society seem like their lids are about to be flipped,” he said. “The song has just been a reflection of everything I’m seeing, and it’s kind of a release for me too.”
Babah brings this point to light with his rapid-fire lyrics: “Innovate states beyond the greats / Escape from the fake / We bring the truth … Ride for the truth inside / Let it be Infinity”
“I made the song to make you feel like you wanna smash all the shit off your desk,” Babah said.
Babah credited his work with Youth on Record, a Denver-based nonprofit, as an inspiration. As a music mentor there for disadvantaged youth, he empowers young voices for a better world.
“There’s so many youth out there that kind of feel dismal about the future,” he said. “So this song is a call to action.”
“Ape Shit” speaks to this collective action, the kind necessary for those of us who aren’t stranded islanders: “The wars on the minds of minds today / Weapons to distract the main attack / Our hearts stay strong / Don’t go astray.”
“Once we can understand that we’re connected to all of life, I think we can actually find avenues that can create prosperity,” said Babah.
Check out “Ape Shit” on Spotify, or wherever you get your music. You might get along with its energetic rhythm. You might get propelled into a groovy sense of unity. You might even choose Babah Fly as your next desert island artist.
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